Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard welcomes the State Government’s plan to expand the Graffiti Clean-Up Pilot Program across the metropolitan area.

“Hopefully the result of this program will mean there will be less money spent on cleaning up graffiti and money saved can be used providing community services,” said Dr Woollard.

“The Clean-Up Program will hold offenders accountable for their actions and impress upon them the impact of their offence on properties and the community.

“The State Government has doubled the penalties for graffiti and offenders could now face up to two years jail or a $24,000 fine.

“The Clean-Up Program and stricter penalties send the message that the government will no longer tolerate graffiti. Hopefully this will deter potential offenders.”

Dr Woollard said as part of the expansion, the Government is encouraging local councils and organisations to join the initiative and offer graffiti-vandalised sites for clean-up.

“I hope the City of Melville and local businesses will join in,” said Dr Woollard.

“By offering sites for clean-up, the community will not have to contend with unsightly graffiti-vandalised public assets.”

Dr Woollard said she has received complaints where properties in the Electorate have been graffiti-vandalised. Even her Electorate Office has not been spared.

“I would like to encourage the community to join in this program against graffiti vandalism,” said Dr Woollard.

“The community can make a report if they witness public, community or private assets being vandalised with graffiti.

“By making reports, the community will be helping to deter future graffiti vandals from striking.”

Reports can be made by:

• Calling the State Graffiti Hotline 1800 44 22 55;
• Calling the City of Melville hotline 1800 626 119, who will endeavour to remove the graffiti within 12 to 24 hours; or
• Completing an online graffiti reporting form found at
  https://secure.police.wa.gov.au/GGReportingForm/

 
Note to editor/journalist:

The Graffiti Clean-Up Program For more information on the Juvenile Clean-Up Program and the State Government’s strategy on graffiti, visit the Goodbye Graffiti website
www.goodbyegraffiti.wa.gov.au.